THE anguished family of a man found floating in entertainer Michael Barrymore's pool still do not know how he met his death.

At the end of a week-long inquest, a coroner recorded an open verdict on 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock's death.

The meat factory worker, from Harlow, Essex, died after going to a party at the Roydon house of the 50-year-old Strike It Lucky host.

Post-mortem examinations revealed he had a combination of alcohol and drugs, including Ecstasy and cocaine, in his system. There was also evidence he may have suffered a serious sexual assault.

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray, recording her verdict, said that what had happened to Mr Lubbock prior to him being found in the star's swimming pool, remained a mystery.

Referring to the evidence of brother and sister Kylie and Justin Merritt, and that of Barrymore and his then-partner, Jonathan Kenney, the Essex and Thurrock Coroner said, "None of these witnesses, who were party guests for three hours, has given to this court an explanation about how Stuart Lubbock, a previously fit 31-year-old, should be found floating in a swimming pool at the premises, with a significant level of alcohol and drugs in his system, and (with) serious anal injuries."

Ms Merritt told the inquest that Barrymore, real name Michael Parker, had offered cocaine to the guests. She wept as she said, "I saw Michael Parker put cocaine on his finger. He rubbed it on Stuart Lubbock's gums."

After the verdict, the senior investigating officer said there had been no coherent and consistent account from those who were at the party, but he hoped loyalties and friendships might change over time.

Mr Lubbock's family said they understood the open verdict and pointed out that the police investigation was not closed.

Barrymore was not present at the end of the inquest in Epping, Essex.

Father-of-two Mr Lubbock was pronounced dead at the Princess Alexandra hospital, Harlow, at

8.25am on March 31 last year.

He was found to have severe internal injuries which included bruising, lacerations and inflammation. Experts said they may have been caused by a large, hard object and could have been the result of a serious sexual assault.

Mrs Beasley-Murray said all four pathologists were of the opinion that Mr Lubbock did not have the injuries when he left the Millennium nightclub in Harlow to go to Barrymore's house.

Barrymore suggested Mr Lubbock may have suffered anal injuries by dive-bombing in the pool. There were three steps and Mr Lubbock could have landed on them, he said.

He refused to answer questions at the inquest about the drug taking allegations. He denied rubbing cocaine into Mr Lubbock's gums or giving him Ecstasy.

Barrymore was arrested after Mr Lubbock's death. He was released without charge but accepted a police caution for possession of cannabis.

Television insiders said the details which emerged during the inquest could deliver a hammer blow to Barrymore's career.

An ITV spokesman would only say the situation would be monitored. It is understood he will not be seen for months to come.